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Holiday office parties...serious business

We're now just four weeks away from Christmas, and that means it's time for those holiday office parties.

They should be fun, however they may be dangerous.

But, they're not to be avoided.

UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says it is a good idea to attend your office party.

"You should," says Rosa. "The business is trying to promote togetherness for all the employees that work there. They want to give an opportunity for everybody to get together."

So, he says it's a good idea to mingle with folks outside your department. It's an opportunity to get to know someone you only communicate with via email...or higher-ups you may not otherwise have a chance to talk to.

But, don’t use this as an opportunity to complain about your job, your coworkers, or the company.

And, remember...it is a party. "Try to, collectively, stay away from a lot of business talk. Some things come up, but it's really a time to put that aside," Rosa says.

No matter how festive the occasion, however, it is still about business. That means you want to maintain your professionalism, while you mingle with your coworkers.

"Everybody needs to have an idea of what's good behavior, appropriate behavior. The company is getting everybody together to relax and interface with others. And, we just want it to be a happy time."

Don''t get too happy, though. You can eat, drink and be merry...but try to do so in moderation.

"Obviously, with the alcohol, we don't want to imbibe too much, because that brings on other problems. And especially today, we wouldn't want to cross any boundaries or lines that shouldn't be crossed with respect to other employees."

Don't discuss office gossip. And, don't be the last to leave. When you do leave, or before, remember to show your appreciation to your host and others who worked on the event.